How Bad Weather Storms Can Impact Your Roof

Dmytro Morokhovets
Jul 29
3 min read

California may be known for its sunny skies, but homeowners in cities like Santa Monica, CA know that extreme weather events are still a serious concern. From high winds and heavy rain to occasional hail and falling debris, storms can wreak havoc on roofing systems. Unfortunately, roof damage isn’t always obvious at first—and the longer it goes undetected, the more costly it can become. In this blog, we’ll break down how bad weather storms can affect your roof and what you can do to protect your home.

Wind Damage: More Harm Than Meets the Eye

Strong winds are one of the most common causes of roofing damage. While you might assume your roof is safe if there are no missing shingles, wind can cause hidden problems:

Lifted shingles: Wind can loosen shingles at the edges, breaking their seal and allowing water to seep underneath.
Displaced flashing: Chimney and valley flashings are particularly vulnerable to high winds, leading to future leaks.
Fallen debris: Tree branches and other flying objects can puncture or dislodge roofing materials during a storm.

After a windstorm, even if your roof appears intact from the ground, a professional inspection is often needed to assess hidden damage.

Heavy Rain: Silent and Persistent Damage

In places like Santa Monica, intense downpours can overwhelm roofing systems, especially if they’ve been neglected. The biggest issues include:

Ponding water on flat roofs
Clogged or damaged gutters that cause water backup
Leaky flashing around chimneys, skylights, and vents

Water has a sneaky way of penetrating even the smallest vulnerabilities in your roofing system. Once inside, it can damage insulation, rot wooden decking, and create mold problems that threaten indoor air quality.

Hailstorms and Impact Damage

Though less frequent in coastal Southern California, hailstorms can occasionally hit the region. Even small hailstones can damage roofing systems—especially asphalt shingles, which may lose protective granules or crack under the impact.

These damages aren’t just cosmetic. Loss of granules reduces your roof’s ability to repel UV rays, shortening its lifespan and leaving it vulnerable to future leaks.

UV Exposure and Thermal Cycling

Even when the weather is calm, the constant cycle of heating and cooling in sunny locations like Santa Monica puts stress on your roof. Materials expand in the heat and contract at night, which over time can lead to:

Cracking in asphalt shingles or tile
Deterioration of underlayment
Loss of waterproofing protection

This is why roofs in coastal California require materials built for thermal durability and UV resistance.

What You Can Do: Prevention and Response

The best defense against weather-related roof damage is a combination of proper installation, regular maintenance, and prompt response when problems arise.

Schedule annual inspections, especially before and after storm season.
Keep gutters and downspouts clean and free of debris.
Trim overhanging trees and remove dead branches.
Check your attic for water stains or mold growth after storms.

Working with a professional roofer who understands California’s unique climate will also ensure your roofing system is built to last.

Trust a Certified Local Expert

When bad weather strikes, you want a roofing partner you can trust to inspect, repair, or replace your roof with care and skill. Economy Roofing is a trusted name in Santa Monica, CA, offering timely service, transparent communication, and high-performance roofing solutions.

As a Malarkey Emerald Pro Contractor, Economy Roofing uses top-rated materials built to withstand storms, resist UV rays, and improve energy efficiency. Their certified installers ensure every detail is handled correctly—from flashing to shingles—so you can feel confident your home is protected.

Final Thoughts

California’s storms may not be as frequent as in other parts of the country, but when they hit, they can cause serious damage. Don’t wait for a leak to appear—protect your investment by staying proactive. With the right roofing system, regular maintenance, and the help of a reliable local expert, your home can stand strong against the elements.

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